Schumer visits biodigester at Morrisville State College, promises support for local farmers

The biodigester that turns manure into energy at Morrisville State College could benefit from federal stimulus grants aimed at promoting green energy, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer told college officials Tuesday.

And that, in turn, could help farmers in Upstate New York, he said.

Schumer visited the college’s dairy complex and met with local officials and scientists who have been working to make the renewable technology more affordable for local farmers.

The college’s biodigester harvests electrical and heat energy from organic wastes, providing a cheap source of fuel for farmers and adding a new revenue stream to help balance their budgets.

Schumer said the process has the potential to help farmers make ends meet.

“Particularly in times like these, every dime that families can save on their bottom line is a huge help,” he said at a press conference Tuesday morning. “That’s a massive game changer for people in Upstate, especially for our rural communities. We’ve got to explore this technology.”

The technology is still out of reach for most small operations, with startup costs topping $1 million. The college is developing research that could bring costs down.

Schumer said the project will qualify for federal stimulus funding aimed at promoting renewable energy.